On a 50-km march to create awareness on water pollution

Chandigarh, March 30 (IANS) Environmentalist and godman Balbir Singh Seechewal will go on a 50-km march along the banks of river Sutlej to create awareness about water pollution. “People from every section of society like doctors, lawyers, teachers, students and social workers will participate in this 50 km march. Our sole aim is to create awareness by talking to people whom we come across on the way and to persuade them to safeguard our water resources,” Seechewal told reporters here Monday.

“Our march would be divided into two phases. In the first phase from April 1-6, we will cover Punjab. And in the second phase, we will be cover neighbouring Rajasthan.”

“We will cover various towns and villages situated on the bank of river Satlej and various drains in Rajasthan and finally conclude the march at Bikaner in Rajasthan April 10,” stated Seechewal.

Balbir Singh Seechewal has become Punjab’s most recognised eco-warriors spearheading a unique campaign against the pollution of the state’s rivers. Time magazine has named Seechewal as one of the activist “Heroes of the Environment - 2008″ bringing into focus the work done under the leadership of the 46-year-old sant, who marries spirituality with eco-friendliness and activism.

While expressing disappointment with the state government, Seechewal said: “We have not got whole-hearted help from the government as last year on our insistence they had closed the Kala Sanghian drain near Jalandhar for one month. But now they have again opened it and nobody is taking care of the situation.”

He said that Kala Sanghian drain in which the industrial effluents and other household waste from various towns of Punjab are discharged, is the major cause of water pollution as its contaminated water flows into other rivers and subsequently reached Rajasthan.

“We have given invitations to all the political parties. Now we have to wait and watch which leaders will come forward for this cause,” he said.

“We appeal to the masses to elect only those candidates who can suggest some substantial solution to address the problem of water pollution. We want all the political parties to include the issue of water pollution in their election manifesto,” said Seechewal.